10/04/2011

Saw Palmetto May Not Work

It's used by many men hoping to reduce urinary symptoms caused by benign growth of the prostate, or BPH, but a new, well-designed study suggests that it doesn't work. Some other recent research suggest the same. Even when doubling and tripling the standard dose, the high-quality saw palmetto extract used in the new study failed to provide benefit.

What should you do? You may want to consider a different supplement -- beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol. The evidence remains fairly good for beta-sitosterol. To find out more about saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and the supplements we have tested, see the Prostate Supplements Review. More >>

6/24/2022

Beta-sitosterol & Bleeding Risk?

Does taking beta-sitosterol increase bleeding risk? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Prostate Supplements Review.

2/10/2025

Saw Palmetto for BPH?

Did taking saw palmetto improve urinary symptoms among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a recent study? Find out in the What It Does section of our Prostate Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among prostate supplements.

2/06/2024

Prostate Supplement Adverse Events

A popular prostate supplement has been associated with more than 1,000 cases of adverse events, particularly reports of blood in the urine, according to a recent review. Get the details in our Prostate Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among prostate supplements.

5/09/2023

Prostadine for Prostate & Urinary Health?

Prostadine is a supplement that claims to support prostate health and bladder control, but does it really work? Find out in our Prostate Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among prostate supplements.

Also see our article about  supplements to reduce nighttime urination.

7/25/2023

Saw Palmetto Side Effects

What are the most commonly reported side effects with saw palmetto use? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Prostate Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among prostate supplements.

1/04/2022

Caution With Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle is promoted to reduce seasonal allergies and is a common ingredient in prostate supplements. Rarely, however, it may cause breast changes in both men and women, as was recently reported. Get the details in our updated article about Supplements for Seasonal Allergies. Also see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Prostate Supplements Review.

11/09/2021

Saw Palmetto Concern

Does saw palmetto cause sexual dysfunction? Get the details in the updated Concerns and Cautions section of our Prostate Supplements Review.

8/03/2019

Saw Palmetto for Prostate?

A recent clinical study is the latest to evaluate the potential benefit of saw palmetto in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men. Find out what this, and previous studies, have shown in the What It Does section of the Prostate Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements.

10/21/2015

Men's Health Supplements Don't Help Prostate Cancer

While there is some evidence that certain supplements may help relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement (BPH), a recent study shows no benefit with regard to prostate cancer treatment. Details are in the Prostate Supplements Review >>

5/06/2017

Trouble Reported With Saw Palmetto

A 64 year-old man developed pancreatitis and heart block (dangerously slow heart rate) after supplementing with saw palmetto, according to a recent report. For details, see the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Prostate Supplements Review >>

11/17/2023

Saw Palmetto for Hair?

Does taking saw palmetto orally or applying it to the scalp help reduce hair shedding in men and women? Find out what a recent study found in the Saw Palmetto section of our Prostate Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements and shampoos for hair.

1/18/2014

Green Tea "Blocks" Beta-Blocker

A new study shows that drinking green tea can drastically reduce the amount of a beta-blocker (nadolol, Corgard) absorbed into the bloodstream. Beta-blockers are typically taken to lower blood pressure, raising concern for people using green tea along with this beta-blocker and, possibly, related medications. Get the details, along with our tests of green tea drinks and supplements, in the update to the Green Tea Review >>   

If you take a beta-blocker (which includes the popular drugs metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol) and propranolol (Inderal)), be aware that chromium and CoQ10 may offer benefits.

3/05/2016

Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer

A recent study looked at the association between vitamin D blood levels and the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Based on the findings from this and related studies, there seems to be a reasonable approach with vitamin D to potentially lower prostate cancer risk. Get the details (as well as our tests of products) in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

7/21/2013

Soy Protein to Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs less frequently in parts of the world where people eat more soy. So researchers recently gave a soy protein drink, or a placebo drink, to men who previously had prostate cancer to see if it reduced the risk of the cancer recurring. Learn what they found in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>

3/29/2024

Vitamin D & Prostate Cancer-Related Bone Loss

Taking high-dose vitamin D during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may help some men prevent bone loss, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Prostate Cancer section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for vitamin D.

2/17/2023

Beta-Alanine for Thinking & Mood?

Can supplementing with beta-alanine improve cognitive function or mood in older men and women? Find out what a recent study showed in the Beta-Alanine section of our CL Answer about L-Carnosine (which contains beta-alanine).

Also, see our CL Answer about supplements for memory and cognition.

9/28/2022

Beta-glucan Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol?

Beta-glucan from cereals such as oats and barley may help lower cholesterol, but be aware that other sources of beta-glucan (including some supplements) may not. Find out in our CL Answer about supplements for heart health.

4/18/2023

Lowering Cholesterol with Beta-glucan?

Consuming oats, which contain beta-glucan, can help lower cholesterol. But do beta-glucan supplements help? See what a study showed in the Benefits section of our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat products.

Also see our article about supplements for heart health to learn which other supplements may help lower cholesterol.

7/26/2024

Beta-Alanine for Exercise Performance?

Does supplementing with beta-alanine improve exercise performance or reduce fatigue following high-intensity interval training? Find out what a recent study showed in the "Is Beta-alanine Better than Carnosine?" section of our article about Carnosine.

9/18/2024

Creatine & Prostate Cancer Treatment

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for prostate cancer, but it can lead to muscle loss. Did taking creatine along with regular exercise increase muscle mass or strength among men undergoing ADT? See what a recent study found in the Creatine section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among creatine and BCAA supplements.

12/19/2024

Fish Oil for Prostate Cancer?

Did taking fish oil slow the progression of prostate cancer? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cancer section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

1/16/2021

Coffee and Prostate Cancer Risk

Is drinking coffee associated with prostate cancer risk? Find out what a recent study suggests in our updated answer to the question: Does drinking coffee increase or decrease the risk of cancer? Can it slow cancer progression?

3/27/2021

Curcumin & Prostate Cancer

Does curcumin benefit men undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin products.

5/09/2011

Did you hear that DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil) might raise the risk of prostate cancer?

This was recently in the news. Higher levels of DHA in the blood were associated with increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. However, the findings do not mean that you should stop taking fish oil or eating fish. We talked with the researcher of this study and learned more. Get the facts in our Fish Oil Supplements Review. More >>

7/14/2013

Fish Oil Linked to Prostate Cancer?

Headlines this week about a study showing an association between the fatty acids in fish oil and the development of prostate cancer have stirred concerns about consuming fish and fish oil supplements. For details about this study and studies of other effects of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as test results and comparisons for 74 fish and other marine oil supplements, see the updated Fish/Marine Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review >>

5/03/2014

Vitamin D Deficiency May Predict Advanced Prostate Cancer

According to a new study, prostate biopsies in men who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to show a higher grade and stage of cancer than biopsies in men with higher levels of vitamin D. For more details, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the Vitamin D Supplements Review >> 

3/01/2015

Selenium and Prostate Cancer

A new study suggests that men who have prostate cancer should not take supplements providing high-dose selenium. Earlier research has similarly advised against high-dose selenium for people with already adequate selenium intake. For details and more about selenium, see the Selenium Supplements Review >> 

4/22/2015

Green Tea Extract and Prostate Cancer

A new study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, showed that fewer men with pre-cancerous lesions developed prostate cancer if given a daily green tea extract supplement, although the results were not statistically significant due, in part, to the small size of the study. However, a somewhat similar study found a significant benefit. Learn more about these studies, and see our test results for green tea supplements, teas, and drinks, in the Green Tea Review >>

10/06/2017

Green Tea & Prostate Cancer

A recent study investigated the effects of green tea extract in men with pre-cancerous changes of the prostate. Find out if it helped in the "What It Does" section of the Green Tea Supplements and Drinks Review >>

9/22/2018

Vitamin C and Prostate Cancer

Does taking vitamin C reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer? Find out what studies are showing, including one reported this month, in the What It Does section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review. (Also learn about vitamin C and cataracts and see our Top Picks for vitamin C.)

9/10/2017

Olive Oil and Prostate Cancer

Another possible benefit of olive oil within a Mediterranean diet is a reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer, according to a new study. For details about this and other benefits of olive oil, see the updated "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

3/20/2018

Saw Palmetto for Prostate?

Saw palmetto extract was once popular for reducing symptoms of prostate enlargement, but studies subsequently failed to find a benefit. A recent study assessed whether it could boost the effectiveness of conventional medical treatment. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Saw Palmetto Supplements Review.

4/15/2022

Mushrooms for Lowering Cholesterol?

The beta-glucan in oats can help lower elevated levels of cholesterol, but can the beta-glucan in mushrooms do the same? Find out in our article about Supplements and Foods for Lowering Cholesterol.

6/07/2022

Carnosine vs. Beta-alanine

Does beta-alanine, a constituent of L-carnosine, have similar effects to supplementing with L-carnosine itself? Find out what evidence suggests in our updated article about L-carnosine.

11/17/2013

Latest Supplement Recommendations

New draft recommendations on vitamin and mineral supplement use were published this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The recommendations apply only to healthy adults without nutritional deficiencies. They focus only on the use of supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer at doses not exceeding tolerable upper intake levels. The recommendations are based on existing science and are generally consistent with information already presented in ConsumerLab.com's Product Reviews.  We have summarized the recommendations below, with links to more information in ConsumerLab.com's reports:

8/25/2013

Antioxidants: Too Much of a Good Thing?

10/07/2022

Topical Dutasteride for Hair Loss?

Is the prostate drug dutasteride effective for treating loss of hair when given topically, like minoxidil? Find out in our article about Treatments for Hair.

5/09/2011

Does folic acid affect the risk of colon cancer?

Supplementation with higher amounts of folic acid (vitamin B-9) has been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer, but its effect on the risk of colon cancer has been unclear. A new study found no increase in colon cancer due to folic acid supplementation. But if you supplement with folic acid, be careful. See the B Vitamin Supplements Review for more >>

10/23/2011

Vitamin E Risk

A study of healthy men who had taken a high-dose vitamin E supplement for several years showed a 17% increase in the risk of prostate cancer compared to men who took a placebo. See the Vitamin E Supplements Review for details, extensive information about vitamin E, and our quality ratings of vitamin E supplements.  More >>

2/27/2014

Vitamin E, Selenium Can Increase Cancer Risk

In some men, taking high doses of vitamin E or selenium may double the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer, according to a recent analysis. For details, including the dose, see the updates to the Vitamin E Supplements Review >> and the Selenium Supplements Review >>   

5/13/2015

Fish Intake and Breast Cancer Risk

Women with breast cancer who consumed the most fish had a lower risk of death compared to women who did not eat fish, a new study reports. Get the details, plus evidence for the use of fish oil supplements to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer, and our tests of popular products in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>

3/29/2017

Vitamin E/Selenium & Alzheimer's

A long-term study among men in the U.S. found that giving high doses of vitamin E and/or selenium did not significantly affect their risk of developing dementia. The study was part of a larger study which found that these supplements increased the risk of prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, hair loss, and dermatitis. For details, see the "Alzheimer's disease/dementia" section of the Selenium Supplements Review >>

12/15/2018

Pycnogenol for Prostate?

Pycnogenol, a branded form of pine bark extract, is promoted for a variety of uses, including improvement of circulation, cognition, joint pain and vision. It was recently given to men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to see if it would improve urinary symptoms. Find out if it worked, and learn if it helps with other conditions, in our updated answer to the question: What is Pycnogenol and does it work? >>

5/30/2020

Cranberry for Cystitis in Men?

Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) is common in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. A study evaluated whether a cranberry supplement could reduce the incidence of cystitis in these men. Find out if it helped in our updated answer to the question: Are cranberry supplements helpful for men? Can they help with symptoms of prostatitis or urinary tract infections?

2/01/2020

Pomegranate for Memory?

Pomegranate juice and supplements have been promoted for improving cardiovascular health, controlling blood sugar, and inhibiting prostate cancer. Most recently pomegranate juice was tested in a year-long study for its effects on memory. Find out if it helped, and see if it works for other touted uses, in the What It Does section of the Pomegranate Juice and Supplements Review Article.